The Dance of Dragons is a Necessary Evil

The Dance of Dragons is a Necessary Evil

Warning: This post contains spoilers

The Dance of Dragons is considered one of the biggest and most important events in the history of Targaryen rule in Westeros because of its catastrophic consequences for the Dragon family and the cause of the death and extinction of dragons after the end of the civil war.

Many fans of the A Song of Ice and Fire universe blame and accuse certain parties in the civil war of being a major reason for the death of dragons, which are considered the reason for the Targaryen power through which they were able to invade Westeros and extend their influence over it for decades.

But what if the dance was a necessary evil? Just as many see the usurpation of the throne by Maegor I, known as Maegor the Cruel, as a necessary matter, and the assassination of the son and heir of his brother Aegon the Uncrowned, because in doing so Maegor was able to suppress the religious revolt against Targaryen rule and establish their rule on the continent, even though he died childless (i.e. without offspring).

Using this projection, we can also say that the Dance of Dragons was also inevitable and a necessary evil for several reasons, the most important of which are:

The prophecy: Whether it is the prophecy of Aegon the Conqueror that was mentioned in the series or the prophecy that was mentioned in Game of Thrones, and despite the difference of fans about the identity of the prince who was promised (Daenerys or Jon Snow or others who also see Anem as perhaps from the Targaryen lineage), it is certain that the lineage of the prince who was promised is from Rhaenyra and Daemon (not from the lineage of Alicent and Viserys nor from Daemon's daughters nor Rhaenyra's sons from her first marriage)

The dance ended with the death of Rhaenyra's sons from her first marriage and the death of all the sons and grandchildren of Viserys from Queen Alicent Hightower and the marriage of Daemon's daughters to people outside the Targaryen family

And what do you think?

Do you think that the dance was really inevitable and a necessary evil? Who is the real prince who was promised? If the dance had not happened and Jaeserys and Baella had ruled, would they have had offspring or would the rule have ended in one way or another with the children of Daemon and Rhaenyra?

1. What was the Dance of the Dragons?

   The Dance of the Dragons was a civil war fought between rival branches of House Targaryen for control of the Iron Throne. It took place about 200 years before the events of "A Game of Thrones."

2. Who were the main contenders in the Dance of the Dragons?

   The main contenders were Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and her half-brother Aegon II Targaryen. Both had claims to the Iron Throne after the death of their father, King Viserys I Targaryen.

3. Why did the Dance of the Dragons start?

   The war began due to a disputed succession. King Viserys I had named his daughter Rhaenyra as his heir, but upon his death, his son Aegon II was crowned by a faction of nobles and courtiers, leading to a conflict between the supporters of Rhaenyra and Aegon II.

4. How did dragons play a role in the Dance of the Dragons?

   Dragons were a crucial part of the war, with both sides using them as formidable weapons. The conflict saw several dragon-on-dragon battles, which contributed to the near extinction of dragons by the war's end.

5. Who were some notable dragons involved in the Dance of the Dragons?

   Notable dragons included Syrax (ridden by Rhaenyra), Sunfyre (ridden by Aegon II), Caraxes (ridden by Prince Daemon Targaryen), and Vhagar (ridden by Prince Aemond Targaryen).

6. What was the outcome of the Dance of the Dragons?

   The war ended in devastation for both sides. Rhaenyra was eventually captured and killed, and Aegon II was mortally wounded and died shortly after. The Targaryen line continued through Rhaenyra's son, Aegon III.

7. How did the Dance of the Dragons impact the Targaryen dynasty?

   The civil war significantly weakened the Targaryen dynasty. It led to the deaths of many Targaryen family members and most of the dragons, and it left the realm in chaos and poverty.

8. Were there any major battles during the Dance of the Dragons?

   Yes, significant battles included the Battle of the Gullet, the Storming of the Dragonpit, and the Second Battle of Tumbleton, among others. These battles were marked by the use of dragons and were highly destructive.

9. What was the role of the smallfolk in the Dance of the Dragons?

   The smallfolk, or common people, suffered greatly during the war. Their homes and lands were often destroyed in the fighting, and they were subjected to violence and oppression from both sides. The war also led to widespread famine and disease.

10.  How is the Dance of the Dragons remembered in Westeros?

    The Dance of the Dragons is remembered as a cautionary tale about the dangers of civil war and the fragility of the Targaryen dynasty. It is often cited as a key reason for the decline of House Targaryen and the near extinction of dragons in Westeros.

 

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